About 6 months ago Harvey developed a couple of nasty habits - one was pulling on the lead and the other was barking at other dogs, barking so bad that it was embarrassing! Taking him to the Vets was a nightmare and just walking around the block was bad enough.

But i have been putting alot of effort into training him on the lead and trying to get him better with other dogs.

Yesterday my hard work was rewarded - I took him with me to collect the children from school - something i dont do because you have to stand by the gates (dogs are not allowed onto the school grounds) with all the other parents that also combine the school pick up with walking the dog. In the past he would have barked the place down, tugged and pulled to get to the other dogs, embarrassing me while the other parents stare as if to say can you not shut that dog up....

We arrived slightly early, there was a miniture black poodle, black labrador, two golden retrievers, a very large white standard poodle, Harvey and i. I told him to sit and he sat, he looked around at the other dogs and i could see that he was about to bark, so i said no and made him focus on me. For the next 10 minutes he sat there like an absolute angle while hundreds of kids walked passed him, some even stopping to stroke him, even when the small black poodle started to bark he didnt take any notice!!

When my daughter arrived he stood up and waged his tail very pleased to see her - as we walked home a little cocker spaniel growled and barked at him and he still didnt re-act!!

I am so proud of my little boy - hopefully this is the start of being able to take him anywhere without the fear of him causing a scene!!

Karlin

20th March 2008, 07:31 PM

:rah: All that work has really paid off! You deserve to be proud. :)

Cathryn

20th March 2008, 07:47 PM

:w**h**: Way to go Harvey!! :cl*p: All that hard work is now paying it's dividends, keep it up now!! Also you will find that because you know he won't play up you'll be more relaxed when out with him, and that in turn will relax him more if you see what I mean?? ;) :dogwlk:

pippa

20th March 2008, 09:06 PM

Well done to Harvey and you!

Cleo's Person

20th March 2008, 10:19 PM

Way to Go Harvey!!!!! What wonderful news.

Caraline

21st March 2008, 12:37 AM

:rah: Yay good boy Harvey, you've made your mumma proud :rah:

And well done on the training!

luvzcavs

21st March 2008, 03:16 AM

WELL DONE :dogwlk: that is an excellent outcome. Pats on the back for you both.

Claire L

21st March 2008, 11:08 AM

:rah:Congratulations Harvey's mom and Harvey!!:dogwlk:

Cathy Moon

21st March 2008, 11:46 AM

Well done, congrats to both of you! :rah:

*Pauline*

21st March 2008, 12:53 PM

Very well done, that's a behaviour thats hard to turn around. You must be very relieved. :rah:

Daisy's Mom

21st March 2008, 03:21 PM

That's really great! We have similar problems withi Daisy that we are working on, but I know in that situation, she would have been bonkers unless I kept a treat in her mouth at all times! :)

TillyTommy

21st March 2008, 03:27 PM

Thats such fantastic news and you must be so proud. My Tommy was the same. Vet visits were a nightmare as was walking him. He did get better towards the end with walking but it was never really a relaxed comfortable event so I can completely understand your pride and relief.
Well Done:)